Vehicle wheel and spider therefor

ABSTRACT

A vehicle wheel adapted to mount to a plurality of stud patterns which comprises a peripheral tire-receiving rim with a circularly sectioned inner aperture having an inner peripheral wall to which a spider is joined. The spider has a central axis in common with the rim, an outer peripheral flange joined to the inner wall of the rim and an inner peripheral flange which bounds a central aperture. An annular attachment section lies adjacent to the inner peripheral flange, and a dished annular interconnecting section joins the attachment section to the outer peripheral flange. Two sets of stud-receiving holes are formed in said attachment section, the radial spacing from the central axis of one set being different from that of the other set, the said spacings of all holes of the same set being equal. The number of holes in each set is either four or five, and the numbers of holes in both sets for any given wheel are equal. The members of the sets are alternately formed in the attachment section, and all of the holes are uniformly angularly spaced apart. A truncation surrounds each of the holes and rises above the surface of the attachment section. A stress collector is angularly disposed between each adjacent pair of holes, and each stress collector comprises a raised portion of both the attachment section and of the interconnecting section. Each stress collector is raised above its surrounding area to form a generally triangular rise on one side of the spider which tapers toward a region between adjacent truncations.

United States Patent [1 1 Brainard et al.

[ Jan. 29, 1974 VEHICLE WHEEL AND SPIDER THEREFOR [76] Inventors: James L. Brainard, 6237 Kauffman Ave., Temple City, Calif. 91780; Robert J. Palm, 18297, Midbury Brea, Calif. 92621 22 Filed: Mar. 15,1972

211 Appl. No.: 234,868

[52] US. Cl 301/9 DN, 301/64 R [51] Int. Cl B60b 1/10 [58] Field of Search 301/9 DH, 9 DN, DP, 9 S,

301/9 SB, 64 R, 36 R, 5 R, 63 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,170,647 8/1939 Ash 301/6 CS 2,590,363 3/1952 Adair 301/9 DN 2,625,438 1/1953 Horn 301/9 DN 3,166,357 1/1965 Vachon 301/9 DN 3,329,468 7/1967 Beith 301/9 DN 3,459,455 8/1969 Muench 301/9 DN 3,649,079 3/1972 English 301/9 DN 3,207,557 9/1965 Hunter.... 301/5 R 2,818,303 12/1957 Main 301/63 R 3,427,076 2/1969 Cole 301/5 BA FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 859,193 1/1961 Great Britain 301/9 DN Primary Examiner-Richard J. Johnson Assistant ExaminerReinhard J. Eisenzopf Attorney, Agent, or FirmD. Gordon Angus et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT A vehicle wheel adapted to mount .to a plurality of stud patterns which comprises a peripheral tirereceiving rim with a circularly sectioned inner aperture having an inner peripheral wall to which a spider is joined. The spider has a central axis in common with the rim, an outer peripheral flange joined to the inner wall of the rim and an inner peripheral flange which bounds a central aperture. An annular attachment section lies adjacent to the inner peripheral flange, and a dished annular interconnecting section joins the attachment section to the outer peripheral flange. Two sets of stud-receiving holes are formed in said attachment section, the radial spacing from the central axis of one set being different from that of the other set, the said spacings of all holes of the same set being equal. The number of holes in each set is either four or five, and the numbers of holes in both sets for any given wheel are equal. The members of the sets are alternately formed in the attachment section, and all of the holes are uniformly angularly spaced apart. A truncation surrounds each of the holes and rises above the surface of the attachment section. A stress collector is angularly disposed between each adjacent pair of holes, and each stress collector comprises a raised portion of both the attachment section and of the interconnecting section. Each stress collector is raised above its surrounding area to form a generally triangular rise on one side of the spider which tapers toward a region between adjacent truncations.

10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDJAH 29 m4 SHEET 3 [If 3 VEHICLE WHEEL AND SPIDER THEREFOR This invention relates to vehicle wheels which are adapted to fit onto a plurality of stud patterns.

There has long been a need for a wheel which is adapted to mount to more than one stud pattern. For example, it is common to have vehicle wheels provided with holes for the attachment to four studs and wheels which are provided with holes for five studs. Further, in each set of numbers (four or five), it is common for there to be more than one radius distance of the studs from the central axis. An example, one common form of wheel has a five-stud pattern with a radius of each stud from the central axis of inches, while another pattern has its studs at a radius of 5% inches. Similar relationships prevail with respect to wheels mounted by four studs. Accordingly, and referring now to patterns of the same number such as five, it is necessary to carry in inventory two sets of wheels with five apertures, one for each set of dimensions. This doubles the inventory which a dealer must carry in order to supply his clientele.

Attempts have previously been made to provide wheels which can mount to a plurality of stud patterns, i.e., for the attachment of equal numbers of studs of different radii. Such a wheel would, in the case of the four-stud mounting, require eight holes, and in the case of the five-stud mounting, ten holes. However, there has been found no means to provide this many apertures in the spider of the wheel and still make a safe wheel. This invention does make such an objective possible, and there can now be provided wheels with eight or ten apertures comprising two sets of holes of different radii for each set of patterns, still meeting the standards of original equipment manufacturers, whose standards all automotive wheels presently must meet. The wheel according to this invention does in fact meet these standards, and is adapted to mount to two different patterns, either of four holes each, or of five holes each.

This invention thereby provides a means to reduce by onehalf the size of inventory which must be carried by a dealer, still providing a completely safe wheel for the user.

A vehicle wheel according to this invention comprises a peripheral tire-receiving rim which has a circularly sectioned inner aperture with an inner peripheral wall to which a spider isjoined. The spider has a central axis in common with the rim, and an outer peripheral flange which is joined thereto. An inner peripheral flange bounds a central aperture. An annular attachment section lies adjacent to the inner peripheral flange, and a dished annular interconnecting section joins the attachment section to the outer peripheral flange. Two sets of stud-receiving holes are formed in the attachment section. The radial spacing from the central axis of one set is different from that of the other set, and the spacing of all holes of the same set is equal. The number of holes in both sets is either four or five, and the number of holes in the sets is equal in any wheel. The members of the sets are alternated, and all are uniformly angularly spaced apart.

A truncation surrounds each of the holes and rises above the surface of the attachment section. A stress collector is angularly disposed between each pair of holes and comprises a portion of both the attachment section and of the interconnecting section, raised above its surrounding area on one side and depressed beneath the surrounding area on the other side, whereby to form a generally triangular rise on one side of the spider and a declivity on the other side. The base of this triangle is contiguous to and continuous with the interconnecting section, and its apex is contiguous to and continuous with the attachment section. The apex is directed between a respective pair of holes, and extends as a raised region at least to the radius of the outermost extent of the base of the truncation which surrounds the respective hole of the outermost of the pair of holes it lies between.

According to a preferred but optional feature of the invention, the outer and inner peripheral flanges of the spider are oppositely axially directed.

The above and other features of this invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which:-

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the presently preferred wheel according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section taken at line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is aback view showing the other side of the spider of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the wheel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view ofa blank formed in an intermediate step in the manufacture of the spider of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-section taken at line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

A wheel 10 according to the invention includes a rim 11 for receiving a tire. The construction of the rim is conventional, and its specific form is of no particular importance to the invention. The rim has a circular inner aperture 12 with an inner peripheral wall 13 and a central axis 14. A tire (not shown) is to be mounted to the outside of the rim.

A spider 15 is joined to the inner peripheral wall of the rim by means such as welds 16, perhaps four or more in number, or even by a single continuous peripheral weld. The spider and the rim thereby form a unitary structure. The spider has a central axis 17 which, in the assembled wheel, is common with axis 14 of the rim. It has an inner peripheral flange 18 which is directed generally upwardly in FIG. 2 with respect to the central axis. It bounds a central aperture 19, and may, if desired, be tapered as shown.

An attachment section 20 is generally flat and annular except as modified by structure yet to be described. It is contiguous to the flange 18. Section 20 extends radially outward to a dished interconnecting section 21. Section 21 includes a tapered, generally frusto conical wall 22, a generally U-shaped transition portion 23, and a substantially frusto-conical sloping portion 24 which is contiguous to and continuous with an outer peripheral flange 25. This construction forms a trough and interconnects the attachment section 20 to the outer peripheral flange.

The outer peripheral flange is the flange 25 which is attached by weldments to the inner wall of the rim. For this reason, this outer peripheral flange will be generally cylindrical on its outside wall, and should make a close interference fit with the rim. It is preferably directed in the opposite axial direction from the inner peripheral flange 18. If desired for lightening purposes and also for appearance, perforations 26 may be formed in the sloping portion 24. The perforations may take the form of arcuate slots.

Two sets of stud-receiving holes are formed in the attachment section. In the illustrated example, each set is five in number, although each set could instead be four in number. In everywheel, the sets will be equal in number; that is, there will not be a four-member set and a five-member set on the same wheel. There only may be two four-member sets or two five-member sets.

The radii r and r for the sets will differ, these being the radii of the hole centers from the central axis. The holes are equally angularly spaced apart, and members of the sets will be alternated. Accordingly, one set comprises holes 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, while another set comprises holes 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36. As examples of suitable hole patterns, the following are three practical examples of hole sets and stud spacings, with reference to FIG. 1;

l. holes, r 2% inches and 5 holes, r 2% inches 2. 5 holes, r 2 /2 inches and 5 holes, r 2% inches 3. 4 holes, r 2 inches, and 4 holes, r 2 /8 inches Each hole is formed at the center of a respective truncation, only two of these truncations 40 and 41 being shown in full detail, it being understood that all of the truncations are similar in the sense that each truncation is substantially that of the zone of a sphere or of the frustum of a cone. It is punched upwardly out of the material of the attachment section so as to form a rising outer convex surface 42, and a concave inner surface 43. Each truncation has an outer extreme 44 which is the point of'its greatest departure from the central axis. Each truncation surrounds its respective hole, and of course the hole size is appropriate to the stud which will pass through the respective hole.

A plurality of stress collectors is formed, one between each pair of adjacent holes, there being two shown in detail (45 and 46) in FIG. 2, the others being identical. These are formed as integral portions of each of the contiguous interconnecting section and attachment section, and each stress collector forms a convexity (sometimes called a rise) on one side of the spider and declivity on the other side and comprises a portion of both of the sections raised above the surrounding area on the convex side. Each stress collector is generally triangular in shape, although, as shown in the figures, the surfaces are generally rounded off. This is because they are die-punched, and it is desirable to have as gradual transition surfaces as possible in order to avoid stress concentrations, not only the tooling which manufactures the part, but on the part itself. The generally triangular stress collectors have a base 47 integral with the interconnecting section, and an apex 48 integral with the attachment section. There is a convex surface 49 (the rise) on one side and a concave surface 50 on the opposite side. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rim in cross-section is an undulating shape with the convexities of both the truncations and of the stress collectors facing into the concave portion between the tapered wall 22 and the inner peripheral flange 18. Each apex of the stress collectors extends into the attachment section to a region which lies radially at least at or within that circle described by a circular line passing through the said outer extreme 44 of the set of holes having the greatest radius.

Because of the way in which this spider is made, its thickness does not greatly vary. The spider is formed in three or four die manipulations, and it is desired to thin out, or neck down, the material as little as possible. In one presently preferred technique of manufacture, plate of approximately 0.156 inch initial thickness is formed into the spider by a series of operations, and the thinnest section developed is about 0.140 inches. This represents a maximum decrease of not more than about 10 percent, which occurs near the apices of the stress collectors. The thickness elsewhere is even closer to the initial thickness. The conical wall has been formed to its approximate final shape in this punching. Thereafter, the annular flange 62 is pressed again to form the remainder of the outer shape, the holes are punched in the middle of the truncations, and the central aperture is punched. Then the spider will be complete. By going through a number of steps before and after the formation of this intermediate blank, the metal will be gradually moved to its new location, and undue stress concentrations and excessive thinning of material will be avoided.

Dimensions for one spider according to the inven tion, and of its intermediate blank, are as follows. These dimensions are in inches or degrees, and correspond to the letter notations in the drawings.

FIGS. 1 & 2

r 2% inches r 2% inches FIGS. 5 7

S 2 5/16 inches T 13% inches U 7 11/16 inches V 1 5/16 inches W 4 inch There results a wheel which can have twice as many holes as heretofore been considered feasible with four and five hole patterns, which can adapt to a plurality of patterns of radii. This reduces the number of wheels which must be stocked by the dealer. This wheel has passed the tests of original equipment manufacturers with margin to spare. It is readily manufactured and is safe and reliable in use.

The stress collectors appear to be the primary reason this wheel can take its loads. Previous multiple-pattern spiders have cracked between the holes. By providing stress collectors and truncations in the shape and pattern shown, it appears that localized stress concentrations between the holes are prevented to the extent that they would cause wheel failure under load.

This invention is not to be limited by the embodiment shown in the drawings and described in the description, which is given by way of example and not of limitation, but only in accordance with the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A vehicle wheel adapted to mount to a plurality of stud patterns comprising: a peripheral tire-receiving rim having a circular inner aperture bounded by an inner peripheral wall, and a spider having a central axis, an outer peripheral flange joined to the said inner peripheral wall, an inner peripheral flange bounding a central aperture, an annular attachment section adjacent to the inner peripheral flange, and a dished annular interconnecting section joining the attachment section to the outer peripheral flange, there being two sets of stud-receiving holes formed in said attachment section, the radial spacing from the central axis of one set being different from that of the other set, the said spacing of all holes of the same set being equal, the number of holes in each set being either four or flve, and the number of holes in both sets being equal, the members of the sets being alternated and being uniformly angularly spaced apart, a truncation surrounding each of said holes and having a convex side rising above the surface of the attachment section, and a stress collector angularly disposed between each pair of holes comprising a portion of both of the sections raised above its surrounding area on one side, whereby to form a generally triangular rise on one side of the spider and a declivity on the other side, with its base contiguous to and continuous with the interconnecting section and with its apex directed between the respective pair of adjacent holes and extending as a raised region at least to the radius of the outermost extent of the base of the truncation which surrounds the respective hole of the outermost one of the holes which it lies between, the convex side of the truncation and the rise of the stress collectors being on the same side of the attachment section, the interconnection comprising a substantially frusto-conical tapering wall, a substantially U-shaped transition portion, and a substantially frusto-conical sloping portion forming a trough extending to and interconnecting the attachment section and the outer peripheral flange.

2. A wheel according to claim 1 in which the inner peripheral flange and the outer peripheral flange are oppositely axially directed 3. A wheel according to claim 1 in which the outer peripheral flange is welded to the rim.

4. A wheel according to claim 3 in which a plurality of perforations are formed in the interconnecting section.

5. A wheel according to claim 4 in which the perforations are arcuate slots that are formed in the sloping portion of the interconnecting section.

6. A spider for a rimmed wheel having a central axis, an outer peripheral flange to be joined to the rim of a wheel, an inner peripheral flange bounding a central aperture, an annular attachment section adjacent to the inner peripheral flange and a dished annular interconnecting section joining the attachment section to the outer peripheral flange, there being two sets of stud receiving holes formed in said attachment section, the radial spacing from the central axis of one set being different from that of the other set, the said spacing of all holes of the same set being equal, the number of holes in each set being either four or five, and the number of holes in both sets being equal, the members of the sets being alternated and being uniformly angularly spaced apart, a truncation surrounding each of said holes and rising above the surface of the attachment section, and a stress collector angularly disposed between each pair of holes comprising a portion of both of the sections raised above its surrounding area, whereby to form a generally triangular rise on one side of the spider and a declivity on the other side, with its base contiguous to and continuous with the interconnecting section and with its apex directed between the respective pair of adjacent holes and extending as a raised region at least to the radius of the outermost extent of the base of the truncation which surrounds the outermost one of the holes which it lies between, the convex side of the truncations and the rise of the stress collectors being on the same side of the attachment section, the interconnecting section comprising a substantially frusto-conical tapering wall, a substantially U-shaped transition portion, and a substantially frusto-conical sloping portion forming a trough extending to and interconnecting the attachment section and the outer peripheral flange.

7. A spider according to claim 6 in which the inner peripheral flange and the outer peripheral flange are oppositely axially directed.

8. A spider according to claim 6 in which the outer peripheral flange is welded to the rim.

9. A spider according to claim 8 in which a plurality of perforations are formed in the interconnecting section.

10. A spider according to claim 9 in which the perforations are arcuate slots that are formed in the sloping portion of the interconnecting section. 

1. A vehicle wheel adapted to Mount to a plurality of stud patterns comprising: a peripheral tire-receiving rim having a circular inner aperture bounded by an inner peripheral wall, and a spider having a central axis, an outer peripheral flange joined to the said inner peripheral wall, an inner peripheral flange bounding a central aperture, an annular attachment section adjacent to the inner peripheral flange, and a dished annular interconnecting section joining the attachment section to the outer peripheral flange, there being two sets of stud-receiving holes formed in said attachment section, the radial spacing from the central axis of one set being different from that of the other set, the said spacing of all holes of the same set being equal, the number of holes in each set being either four or five, and the number of holes in both sets being equal, the members of the sets being alternated and being uniformly angularly spaced apart, a truncation surrounding each of said holes and having a convex side rising above the surface of the attachment section, and a stress collector angularly disposed between each pair of holes comprising a portion of both of the sections raised above its surrounding area on one side, whereby to form a generally triangular rise on one side of the spider and a declivity on the other side, with its base contiguous to and continuous with the interconnecting section and with its apex directed between the respective pair of adjacent holes and extending as a raised region at least to the radius of the outermost extent of the base of the truncation which surrounds the respective hole of the outermost one of the holes which it lies between, the convex side of the truncation and the rise of the stress collectors being on the same side of the attachment section, the interconnection comprising a substantially frusto-conical tapering wall, a substantially U-shaped transition portion, and a substantially frusto-conical sloping portion forming a trough extending to and interconnecting the attachment section and the outer peripheral flange.
 2. A wheel according to claim 1 in which the inner peripheral flange and the outer peripheral flange are oppositely axially directed
 3. A wheel according to claim 1 in which the outer peripheral flange is welded to the rim.
 4. A wheel according to claim 3 in which a plurality of perforations are formed in the interconnecting section.
 5. A wheel according to claim 4 in which the perforations are arcuate slots that are formed in the sloping portion of the interconnecting section.
 6. A spider for a rimmed wheel having a central axis, an outer peripheral flange to be joined to the rim of a wheel, an inner peripheral flange bounding a central aperture, an annular attachment section adjacent to the inner peripheral flange and a dished annular interconnecting section joining the attachment section to the outer peripheral flange, there being two sets of stud receiving holes formed in said attachment section, the radial spacing from the central axis of one set being different from that of the other set, the said spacing of all holes of the same set being equal, the number of holes in each set being either four or five, and the number of holes in both sets being equal, the members of the sets being alternated and being uniformly angularly spaced apart, a truncation surrounding each of said holes and rising above the surface of the attachment section, and a stress collector angularly disposed between each pair of holes comprising a portion of both of the sections raised above its surrounding area, whereby to form a generally triangular rise on one side of the spider and a declivity on the other side, with its base contiguous to and continuous with the interconnecting section and with its apex directed between the respective pair of adjacent holes and extending as a raised region at least to the radius of the outermost extent of the base of the truncation which surrounds the outermost one of the holes which it lies between, the convex side of the truncatioNs and the rise of the stress collectors being on the same side of the attachment section, the interconnecting section comprising a substantially frusto-conical tapering wall, a substantially U-shaped transition portion, and a substantially frusto-conical sloping portion forming a trough extending to and interconnecting the attachment section and the outer peripheral flange.
 7. A spider according to claim 6 in which the inner peripheral flange and the outer peripheral flange are oppositely axially directed.
 8. A spider according to claim 6 in which the outer peripheral flange is welded to the rim.
 9. A spider according to claim 8 in which a plurality of perforations are formed in the interconnecting section.
 10. A spider according to claim 9 in which the perforations are arcuate slots that are formed in the sloping portion of the interconnecting section. 